Shopping Trip

Friday I had a day straight from heaven...several hours ALONE in the "big, east mall." It's truly a blessing since I'm still fighting the "crud" that's going around. I've felt crummy all week and Friday was the one day I wasn't miserable. Charles went to Friday Friends and I ran to see Dr. Craddock. Russell decided he could miss a few hours of his training (he's been at it every morning all week) and met me at the doctor's office. I was armed with snacks, Robitussin, cough drops, and drinks to combat any coughing spells but thankfully didn't need them!

The doctor asked if we're going to find out the gender and when we said "yes" she made the comment she thinks it's a girl! I know I'd survive and love two boys, but I'm not sure how women do it. I'm going crazy and Charles isn't yet two...I'm constantly telling him not to climb on things, draw on the paper not your hand or the table, don't eat dirt...you get the idea. We scheduled the sonogram for Friday morning. I'm anxious to see this little bugger. Charles will have to come with us, which may make the event even more memorable!

After the doctor's office Russell and I had lunch together before he headed off work. It's so nice to be able to talk and not worry about food landing on the floor or listening to a child whine because he's sick of sitting and wants to run.

After lunch I headed to the mall to find some things we've been needing...and a few we don't! Charles needs an "Easter outfit" and in time for Joel & Amy's wedding in Dallas on March 15th. Finding dress clothes for little boys is next to impossible. I found an outfit at Children's Place but feel horribly guilty about the price. My husband has that influence on me! It's adorable and the perfect blue to go with Charles' eyes but I'm not sure it's all that practical. At least I was smart enough to leave the white socks behind that had the same argyle as the vest. Those would be brown after one Sunday. Here are some pictures so you can see how cute he is, I may be returning it, I'm just not sure...it will be his summer "church clothes" so long pants and long sleeves may not be practical. Also, linen my be a huge pain when you consider the "ironing factor."

Posing for the camera, but not in a good location.

Running away from the camera.

TV is a distraction that allows a few photos.

I also found a shirt for Russell to wear in Joel's wedding. He's the best man so he's got to be dressed to kill! He's so hard to shop for since he's tall, thin, and has long arms. Penny's had a bunch of dress shirts marked down to $3.97. I got one that was 1/2" bigger around the neck than what he normally wears but it fits even with a tie.



Dillard's was having a HUGE shoe sale--75% off. I found a pair of Nurture shoes, an $80 pair for less than $20. It's amazing they had anything in my size, size 10, and they are very comfortable.

Politics, Doctor Visits, Babies, and Birthdays

Life keeps getting busier and busier....

A few weeks ago Kansas had it's first cacus in over 20 years. Russell's Friday off fell the day before the Republican caucus so the two candidates made stops in Wichita. We dropped Charles off at Friday Friends and headed to Jabara aiport to see Mike Huckabee. We hiked across several parking lots and stood and listened to a band before the guest of honor finally made an appearance. We also watched him play bass. Neither of us knew much about him, but after listening to him talk, we know more about where he stands on some issues and like him even more. Here are a few photos that aren't that great because of lighting and a big crowd.

Playing "Sweet Home Alabama"

The following day I went to the Republican caucus. A college classmate is the head of the Republican party here in Sedgwick county. You may have even seen him on the news standing behind John McCain his visit to Kansas. Kelly did a good job leading the events and my sister and I fully expect him to be on a ballot sometime in the not-too-distant future.

Anyway...there were 4,000+ people at the caucus. The line streched 5 blocks in the cold wind. Thankfully Mom & Dad babysat while Russell was at basketball. It was an interesting experience and each candidate's representative talked way more than necessary. I determined the US is the land of the free and the home of the CRAZY! There were many Ron Paul supporters and they really were nuts. Surprisingly, he got about as many votes as McCain.

Charles had his 18 month check-up today. He got one shot and he cried like we beat him silly! The good news is no more shots until it's time for Kindergarten! He's 30 lbs 9 oz and 32 1/2 inches tall. We're going on a trip this summer and he's free as long as he stays under 36 inches, so we're hoping he doesn't grow too much before then. We arrived on time or a hair early to the appointment but sat in the waiting room for at least 40 minutes. He wanted to run around so I let him go to the play area they have for kids. He was entertained for a while then wanted to run off somewhere else. I made the mistake of showing him how the water fountain worked and that's all he wanted to do followed by running into one of the rest rooms. When reprimanded he throws himself on the floor and screams. I sure hope he survives through the terrible twos because I don't know how much of this I can take.

The doctor looked at me too because I've got a cough and sore throat. There's a LOT going around and my body has enough to do without having to fight off a cold. He determined I have the same virus everyone else (including him and his wife) is battling. He gave me a perscription and told me to fill it if I wasn't better by Friday. I found out which cough medicine I can take so I'll have to stop and get some so I can sleep tonight.

It was after noon before we left the office. I tried to call Russell to see if we could meet him for lunch. He didn't answer (little did I know he was a few feet away eating lunch with his colleagues) so Charles and I went to McDonald's. I figured a tradition of McDonald's after having shots is probably a pretty good one. I indulged and got a Big Mac meal. Normally I would never consider anything other than a Hamburger All-American Meal, but this preganancy has left me starving every few hours and it just sounded good. Charles ate french fries and some burger. He loves dipping any kind of food into any dip so he had ketchup too.

My next doctor visit is Friday morning. It's so nice to schedule them when Charles is at Friday Friends and I don't have to worry about getting a babysitter or chasing him around the waiting room. Russell has computer training every morning this week so he won't get to come and he'll have to work on his day off. Bummer, but he'll get to switch it for another day. I FINALLY get to see Dr. Craddock after seing the PA (physician assistant) and the nurse practitioner. I'm spoiled with my family practice where there are only doctors. I'll find out about scheduling a sonogram and I'm anxious to get that done. Everyone keeps asking if we're having a boy or a girl.

We found out last week that Charles will have another boy to play with. My cousin Carissa is due July 8th and she's having a boy. Right now we call him "Baby Ernie" (his daddy has a family tradition of giving all first born sons the first name Ernest). We are very excited for their family and for Charles to have another boy his age to play with. We're also very curious about whether Baby Sharp will be a boy or a girl. We're hoping for a girl and then Carissa and I can just trade baby wardrobes! Elena was born in early September and Charles in mid-August, so July babies should be able to use the hand-me-downs without much worry of them being the wrong season.

Speaking of the Walls...we got together Saturday night to celebrate Brookelyn's 11th birthday. Has it really been that long? I was a junior at Tabor and vividly remember calling Mom every few hours to get the status of Baby Brown. Charles had a blast playing with Elena and PJ. He espically loved PJ who is thrilled to entertain anyone and happiest when they are kids younger than him. He gets both Elena and Charles giggling. I'm not sure what he does, maybe just makes faces but the two little ones love it! Those three chased balloons around the living room and laughed like crazy. Uncle John and Aunt Lola were very generous and made sure each child a gift to open so none of them felt left out.

Misc. Photos and Other Stuff

A few Saturdays ago we went to Taco Bueno to grab a quick lunch before running some errands. I must say, I had the BEST diet soda I've had in a long time. Why was it so good? I don't know. But I do love that their medium drink is 32 oz! For some reason Charles had two cups in his bag. We try to take the red one with us when we eat out because it has a straw. He always wants our drinks with straws and he does NOT need to drink pop!



Last Thursday was a snow day. It began overnight and snowed off and on throughout most of the day. They even cancelled school and there wasn't much on the ground yet. We ended up with about 5 inches. It was cold and we had cabin fever, so I gave Charles some intersting things to play with. I made a drum set with pots, pans, metal bowls, and wooden spoons. I also made a fort by covering the card table with a blanket. Both kept him entertained for a few minutes at a time.

You'll notice he looks away. Guess I shouldn't have the TV on--he watches it!

Climbing. He's figured it out. He has trouble getting on the couch in the living room, but has managed to get on the coffee table and STAND UP on it. He also climbs under the coffee table and gets stuck. He tries to get up and the glass piece moves. Today we were in the basement and he got on everthing. I wish I got a picture or video clip of him sitting in the rocking chair, rocking and reading a book. But, it didn't last long enough for me to capture it.

Not just climbing on chairs, but also in things.

This is a wooden crate I usually keep filled with blankets.